Area 51
Nevada, NV
The area commonly known as Area 51—officially Homey Airport (KXTA) or Groom Lake—is a highly classified United States Air Force facility located in the desert of southern Nevada. The site is the focus of a lot of conspiracy theories relating to UFOs and aliens and has become a tourist attraction, despite being a restricted area.
The basics
The Homey Airport base has been around since the 1950s, but it wasn't until 2013 that the US government acknowledged its existence as an Air Force training range. The base is the testing facility for planes, such as the U-2 and the SR-71. Visitors cannot access, or even get close to the base, but the surrounding area still attracts a lot of visitors.
You can’t take Area 51 tours or buy Area 51 tickets. However, to see the area around the base and hear about the conspiracy theories that surround the place, head down Route 375, also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway; grab a bite to eat at the Little A’Le’Inn in the nearby town of Rachel; buy souvenirs at the Alien Research Center; and check for mail at the Black Mailbox.
Things to know before you go
The deserts of southern Nevada can be relatively cold in winter and quite hot in the summer; make sure to dress accordingly. You’ll want hats and other forms of sun protection at any time of year.
Obey all posted signs and do not trespass; those who get too close to the base can be subject to fines, jail time, or even lethal force.
Photos of Area 51 are not permitted.
How to get there
Area 51 is located about 83 miles (134 kilometers) north-northwest of Las Vegas and can be visited on a day trip. The closest town is Rachel, Nevada. The facility can be approached from two directions: one near Rachel and the other about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) down Groom Lake Road, at the base of Hancock Summit. You cannot get within 15 miles (24 kilometers) of the base.
When to get there
The Extraterrestrial Highway and other areas around Area 51 rarely get very busy. The weather in the winter can be relatively cold, and summer in the desert can be extremely hot and dry. Visit in the spring or summer for the most comfortable conditions.
Roswell
The town of Roswell, New Mexico, is another major focal point for UFO enthusiasts. In 1947, something that the military identified as a weather balloon crashed nearby during a thunderstorm. UFO enthusiasts believed the object was a “flying saucer,” and a variety of conspiracy theories surround the place to this day. Visit to learn about the Roswell incident and other UFO phenomena at the town’s International UFO Museum and Research Center.
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